Remain Silent! How a Violent Legal Case in Arizona Set US Law

Learn how a case in Arizona sparked precedent for a law across the country
Law enforcement has to say these words when arresting someone
The Miranda Warning protects the 5th and 6th Amendment rights of citizens

It's a familiar part of any television crime drama. As police arrest the perp, they begin reciting these words:

You have the right to remain silent.
Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.
You have the right to an attorney.
If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you.

According to the website, USConstitution.net, the exact words vary a little depending on jurisdiction, but the spirit is the same. This statement is known as the Miranda warning, and did you know it has a connection to Arizona?

"You have the right to remain silent." // Canva

Get our free mobile app

You Have the Right to Remain Silent: How the Miranda Warning is Connected to Arizona

On March 13, 1963, 24-year-old Ernesto Arturo Miranda was arrested by the Phoenix Police Department, according to Wikipedia. The arrest was based on circumstantial evidence that linked him to a case involving the kidnap and rape of an 18-year-old woman

You must be informed of your rights if you're arrested. // Canva

After Miranda was identified by the victim in a police lineup, Phoenix police questioned him for two hours without a lawyer.

His confession and signed written statement were later used as evidence against him in court.

Miranda Rights. // Canva

History.com explains that Miranda's lawyers argued he had not been informed of his rights to remain silent to avoid self-incrimination and to have a lawyer present during the interrogation. When he lost the court case in Arizona, his lawyers appealed his conviction to the United States Supreme Court.

It Began in Arizona: How the Miranda Warning Was Born

Miranda’s lawyers appealed his conviction. They argued his confession was acquired in violation of his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination and his Sixth Amendment right to counsel.

In 1966, Miranda v. Arizona reached the Supreme Court, which ultimately ruled in favor of Miranda by a 5-4 vote.

According to the decision, the Supreme Court decided that the prosecution could not use statements made by suspects under custodial interrogation unless they were given the Miranda warning, or unless they waived their rights voluntarily, knowingly, and intelligently.

The case, Miranda v. Arizona, was adjudicated at the Supreme Court. // Canva

The landmark Miranda decision sparked debate over the balance between the rights of the accused and the interests of law enforcement. The law has become a precedent, inspiring similar laws in countries like Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

LOOK: What major laws were passed the year you were born?

Data for this list was acquired from trusted online sources and news outlets. Read on to discover what major law was passed the year you were born and learn its name, the vote count (where relevant), and its impact and significance.

Gallery Credit: Katelyn Leboff